Experts: money is hurdle to landing GOP convention

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan are on stage with their wives Ann Romney and Janna Ryan at the end of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

CINCINNATI (AP) — Officials in Cincinnati say their bid for the 2016 Republican National Convention hinges on fixing up their arena and raising the $55 million in private money required.

A site visit by Republican officials is scheduled for later this month for Cincinnati, which must spruce up U.S. Bank Arena and figure out how a host committee can raise the millions in private money.

The others in the running — Cleveland, Dallas, Las Vegas, Kansas City and Denver — are all bigger cities that have made past pitches or even hosted political conventions.

Convention experts, local leaders and political insiders tell The Cincinnati Enquirer that raising the money is the biggest hurdle. All of it goes to the RNC for event costs — lighting, security, transportation and catering.

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